Emmett Twp. approves EMS renewal, playground, safety investments

By Sherrie Kleitch

The Yale Expositor

EMMETT TWP. — From emergency medical services and road improvements to playground construction and public safety upgrades, Emmett Township officials tackled several community-focused projects during their June 10 board meeting.

One of the evening’s biggest discussions centered around the upcoming Tri-Hospital EMS millage renewal that will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot.

Guest speaker Karyn Belanger of Tri-Hospital EMS explained that the proposal is a 0.5-mill renewal, not a tax increase, and highlighted the impact the funding has already had on emergency services throughout St. Clair County.

According to Belanger, the previously approved millage has helped increase wages, improve staffing levels and place more emergency vehicles on the road. Tri-Hospital EMS currently operates nine ambulances around the clock, with two additional units deployed on scheduled timeframes.

Despite a 5% increase in call volume, response times have decreased by 5%.

Belanger also noted that the funding has supported free training opportunities for local fire departments.

The Emmett Township Board was informed that failing to renew the millage could significantly impact emergency services countywide.

The board also addressed several infrastructure projects. 

Supervisor Mike Butler reported that the township’s limestone hauling project has been completed and came in under budget. The total cost of the project was $162,963.45, with grant matching funds reducing the township’s share to $132,917.45 — below the $145,000 projected amount.

Additional culvert replacement projects on Miller Road, Imlay City Road and Carney Road were also approved for payment.

Preparations continue for the KaBOOM playground project, which remains on schedule for July 9-11. Township officials said food donations continue to come in and volunteers are still needed, particularly 60 volunteers for the July 11 build day and 30 volunteers each for July 9 and 10.

The board also discussed public safety revenue-sharing funds recently received from the state totaling $3,784.

Board members voted to evenly split 75% of the required law enforcement allocation evenly between the Capac and Yale police departments. The remaining funds will be used to purchase an automated external defibrillator and provide training for township staff.

Other business

• Other business included updates on the township audit, which officials reported went smoothly, the transition to new township office hours and ongoing efforts to expand internet access through Mercury Broadband.
• Clerk Stephanie Jackson announced that logic and accuracy testing for the August election is scheduled for July 9, with public testing beginning at 2 p.m.
• Treasurer Karen Kot reported that BS&A payments are now operational, while summer tax bills are expected to be mailed July 1.
• In other action, the board approved a building permit application for PLC Toolbox after receiving a favorable recommendation from the planning commission.
• The building administrator reported 11 items for the month of May, while the township’s enforcement officer indicated a blight-related letter will be sent to a property on Brennan Road.

The next regular board meeting for Emmett Township will be on July 8.